EU expects those responsible to be brought to justice

BRUSSELS (QHA) -

During a press conference following the Ukraine-EU summit in Brussels President of the European Council Donald Tusk said that all those responsible for the attack on the Malaysian Boeing should be punished.

"We pay tribute to the victims, call on Russia to accept its responsibility and look forward to the effective prosecution of those responsible for this tragedy," the politician stressed.

The official also confirmed that the European Union continues to respect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine.

“The EU continues its unwavering support for Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence. Our non-recognition of the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol remains firm and our visa ban list has been expanded following the conduct of Russian Presidential elections on the peninsula and the building of the Kerch bridge without Ukraine's consent," Tusk said.

Earlier, on July 5, the European Union decided to extend the anti-Russian sanctions for six months, that is until January 31, 2019. According to the decision, sanctions imply limiting access to the EU market for five major Russian state companies and their subsidiaries, as well as for three Russian energy companies and three defense structures. Also, sanctions prohibit these companies from exporting arms and military goods to the countries of the European Union, as well as restricting Russia's access to certain technologies and services that can be used for oil production.